Iftar (breaking the fast during Ramadan) without its social aspects is not quite iftar. With loosened COVID-19 restrictions, Indonesian Muslims may once again feast with family and friends during this year’s Ramadan, but there might some awkward silences at the dining table this time.
That’s because Indonesia’s COVID-19 Task Force today said that while restaurants may serve iftar, patrons are encouraged to refrain from talking while dining. If a tree has no leaves or branches, can you still call that a tree?
“When breaking the fast, it’s best to keep enough of a distance [from one another] and refrain from chatting. Don’t forget to wash your hands before eating so we stay clean and healthy,” COVID-19 Task Force spokesman Wiku Adisasmito said.
“All things are permissible as long as people adhere to health protocols.”
Before the pandemic, restaurants would often be filled as dusk approaches during Ramadan, as Muslims break their daily fast while socializing. The tradition practically died throughout the pandemic where COVID-19 restrictions were truly enforced in Indonesia, as restaurants were either ordered to close or significantly limit capacity.
Amid declining COVID-19 cases this year, the government has also relaxed restrictions related to worship, allowing Muslims to perform special Ramadan and Eid prayers while adhering to health protocols.
That said, the government is planning on slightly tightening domestic travel restrictions for the annual Eid homecoming tradition called mudik. Vice President Ma’ruf Amin last week said only those who have received booster shots may be exempt from any COVID-19 testing prior to departure.
Ramadan is expected to fall on April 2, while Eid will be celebrated at the end of the holy month on May 2.
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